Best cities for dogs

By By AUBREY COHEN

on March 25, 2013 4:07 PM

What makes a city good for dogs? According to financial literacy website NerdWallet, it's lots of off-leash dog parks, affordable vet visits and high walkability.

So which of the nation's 50 largest cities best meet these criteria? Here are the top 10, starting with No. 10 Oakland, Calif., which notched a score of 52.2.

"The city is sunny and walkable, with affordable veterinary care and several off-leash dog parks," NerdWallet wrote. "The East Bay has plenty of woods as well, so you can take your dog hiking in a Redwood forest." less

What makes a city good for dogs? According to financial literacy website NerdWallet, it's lots of off-leash dog parks, affordable vet visits and high walkability.

What makes a city good for dogs? According to financial literacy... Photo-2334288.59070 - Times Union

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9. Minneapolis, Minn.: score of 52.4. NerdWallet wrote: "Minneapolis is a mecca for dog owners, with plenty of dog parks and affordable care. There are plenty of events in the Twin Cities for dogs and their owners, including Doga (yoga with your dog!) and other gatherings." less

9. Minneapolis, Minn.: score of 52.4. NerdWallet wrote: "Minneapolis is a mecca for dog owners, with plenty of dog parks and affordable care. There are plenty of events in the Twin Cities for dogs and their ... more

8. Milwaukee, Wisc.: score of 52.6. NerdWallet wrote: "Milwaukee has very low-cost veterinary care as well as a somewhat walkable layout. Although there are not very many off-leash dog parks, the dog parks in Milwaukee are particularly good. Granville Dog Park has plenty of wooded trails, a creek and hills for dog to play on." less

8. Milwaukee, Wisc.: score of 52.6. NerdWallet wrote: "Milwaukee has very low-cost veterinary care as well as a somewhat walkable layout. Although there are not very many off-leash dog parks, the dog parks in ... more

7. St. Louis: score of 53.3. NerdWallet wrote: "St. Louis has plenty of dog parks and a moderately walkable layout. This pet-friendly city has plenty of restaurants and attractions that allow you to bring your dog, including the St. Louis Walk of Fame, Six Flags and Laumeier Sculpture Park." And the city honored dog Seaman along with explorers Lewis and Clark in this statue. less

7. St. Louis: score of 53.3. NerdWallet wrote: "St. Louis has plenty of dog parks and a moderately walkable layout. This pet-friendly city has plenty of restaurants and attractions that allow you to bring your ... more

6. Seattle: score of 54.7. NerdWallet wrote: "Seattle has it all — 11
off-leash dog parks, somewhat affordable veterinary care and a walkable
layout. The 350-acre Warren G. Magnuson Park includes an off-leash
area, so you and your pooch can play on the shores of Lake Washington." less

5. Washington, D.C.: score of 57.4. NerdWallet wrote: "D.C. is walkable, affordable for veterinary care and has plenty of dog parks, making it a great city for dog owners. If your dog likes swimming, check out Shirlington Park or Glencarlyn Park, both of which offer clean streams for dogs who like to splash around." Here, President Barack Obama walks the first dog, Bo, on the South Lawn of the White House. less

5. Washington, D.C.: score of 57.4. NerdWallet wrote: "D.C. is walkable, affordable for veterinary care and has plenty of dog parks, making it a great city for dog owners. If your dog likes swimming, check out ... more

4. Miami: score of 57.7. NerdWallet wrote: "Miami has well-priced veterinary care as well as a highly walkable layout, so you can easily fit walking your dog into your schedule, as a car is not necessary for many day-to-day activities in the city. Miami’s Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department has 13 dog-friendly parks, and the Amelia Earheart Bark Park has five acres of walkways, benches and drinking fountains designed specifically for dogs." less

4. Miami: score of 57.7. NerdWallet wrote: "Miami has well-priced veterinary care as well as a highly walkable layout, so you can easily fit walking your dog into your schedule, as a car is not necessary for ... more

3. Las Vegas: score of 63. NerdWallet wrote: "Sin City is a great place for dogs, as evidenced by the city’s 4.4 dog parks per 100,000 residents and affordable pet care. Desert Breeze Dog Park even has gated sections for small, medium and large-sized dogs, so you can let yours run off-leash in a safe environment." less

3. Las Vegas: score of 63. NerdWallet wrote: "Sin City is a great place for dogs, as evidenced by the city’s 4.4 dog parks per 100,000 residents and affordable pet care. Desert Breeze Dog Park even has gated ... more

2. San Francisco: score of 74.3. NerdWallet wrote: "San Francisco is a city for dog lovers. With 27 total dog parks, there are plenty of options. Many parks even have breed-specific events, such as Pug Sunday at Alta Plaza Park in Pacific Heights." less

2. San Francisco: score of 74.3. NerdWallet wrote: "San Francisco is a city for dog lovers. With 27 total dog parks, there are plenty of options. Many parks even have breed-specific events, such as Pug Sunday ... more

1. Portland, Ore.: score of 78.7. NerdWallet wrote: "Portland has 32 off-leash dog parks, which is more than any other city except New York. Vet visits are fairly cheap, and the city is walkable, so you can easily bring your pooch along on errands. Portland dog owners have a variety of events available to them, including puppy romps and holiday parties." less

1. Portland, Ore.: score of 78.7. NerdWallet wrote: "Portland has 32 off-leash dog parks, which is more than any other city except New York. Vet visits are fairly cheap, and the city is walkable, so you can ... more